Google Launches Chrome Apps for Mac

Wednesday December 11, 2013 10:31 am PST by Juli Clover

Google today announced that it is bringing Chrome Apps to the Mac, following a beta period that began in May. First introduced in September for Windows and Chromebook users, Chrome Apps are designed to function like native Mac apps, working offline, updating automatically, and syncing on any computer where a user is signed into Chrome.

Chrome Apps work offline, update automatically and sync to any computer where you're signed into Chrome, so you can pick up where you left off. Your Chrome Apps on Mac behave and feel just like native software. For example, you can find your Chrome Apps in the Applications folder on the Dock. Search for apps by name in the Spotlight search—just like any other Mac program that you already use.

Chrome Apps, which are separate from Chrome browser apps, are downloaded into the applications folder and work like any other Mac app. The apps have access to local storage for offline support, differentiating them from standard Chrome apps, and are able to easily sync content between multiple computers.

Chrome Apps for the Mac also work with Google's Chrome App Launcher, which will be automatically installed when any Chrome App is downloaded. The Chrome App Launcher aggregates all Chrome Apps into one convenient expandable grid on the Mac's dock.

Google has several different fully functional Chrome Apps available for download from its Chrome Web Store, including offerings like video editing app WeVideo Next and project management app Smartsheet.

Note that I did not in any way, shape, or form defend what Google does.

Follow the money.

Yes, Apple does collect very limited and anonymous data, which they make clear--and let you choose to opt in or out very easily. Example: detection of traffic jams for iOS Maps. It's a useful and legitimate tool for both Apple and Google.

But Apple's income is founded on happy users becoming return customers.

Google's customers are advertisers. Users are what's for sale! Their income depends on collecting personal info to make ads worth more.

Google's incentive to collect more data, less anonymously, build profiles, and make it hard to know what's collected, is far greater. Their history bears this out. They touch the creepy line often, and occasionally cross it. Very different behavior from Apple.

With Google Chrome and this, Google essentially now has released Chrome OS for Mac. But I agree. If there only was some killer app for the web out there... I still consider them largely lightweight and usually feature-limited versions of native apps for Mac.

So Macs can run OS X, Windows, AND Chrome OS now? I guess a Mac really is the only computer you'll ever need. :D

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